In the new issue of Regulation, economist Pierre Lemieux argues that the recent oil price decline is at least partly the result of increased supply from the extraction of shale oil. The increased supply allows the economy to produce more goods, which benefits some people, if not all of them. Thus, contrary to some commentary in the press, cheaper oil prices cannot harm the economy as a whole.

Two long wars, chronic deficits, the financial crisis, the costly drug war, the growth of executive power under Presidents Bush and Obama, and the revelations about NSA abuses, have given rise to a growing libertarian movement in our country – with a greater focus on individual liberty and less government power. David Boaz’s newly released The Libertarian Mind is a comprehensive guide to the history, philosophy, and growth of the libertarian movement, with incisive analyses of today’s most pressing issues and policies.

Bryan Caplan tells us in his new book, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, that parents today are overinvesting in each child they have, and consequently deciding to have fewer children. He argues that twin and adoption studies show nature is far more important than nurture, and the “tiger mom” approach to parenting has very little impact on the life outcomes of children. So relax, and have more children!

Even Caplan recognizes there is a large environmental impact on life outcomes, but he claims families don’t matter. Why, and what does?

And if families don’t matter, what are the implications for libertarian prescriptions in public policy? How might the scientific debate over soft genetic determinism and “parenting-lit” impact policy debates about population and economic growth, health care policy, or education reform?

Join us to hear Murray and Caplan discuss the place of parents and families in society and how these issues inform public policy.